Why do over 7,000 families and thousands of landlords participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) administered by HACA? Because the program is a win-win for both. It provides rental assistance to eligible families, and guarantees monthly payments to owners. The family's portion of the rent is based on household income and ranges from 30 to 40 percent. HACA pays the difference directly to the landlord.

When HACA determines that a family is eligible for HCVP assistance and funding is available, HACA issues the family a housing voucher. The family is able to search for suitable housing anywhere in HACA's jurisdiction. Often, the family can use the voucher where it's currently living, as long as the landlord will accept it. Under Portability, the family is also eligible to move to the jurisdictions of other local housing authorities.

Just as for a renter of unsubsidized housing, once the family finds suitable housing at an approvable rent, the owner screens the family for suitability and the family and owner enter into a lease. HACA then enters into a contract with the owner. The family and HACA begin making their respective monthly payments to the owner so that the owner receives full rent. HACA's payment is on time every month. And, since the family's rent is made more manageable by the HCVP assistance, it's easier for it to make its payment on time each month as well.

HACA continues to make payments to the owner as long as the family is eligible and the housing unit continues to qualify under the program. If the family moves, its assistance continues and follows the family to its new unit.

Click here for information about how to begin receiving guaranteed monthly payments for your rental.

Click here for more information about the rights and responsibilities of the family, the owner, and HACA in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.